Knee Pain Treatment
Expert Knee Pain Treatment in Archway
Knee pain is one of the most common conditions we treat, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you're dealing with runner's knee, meniscus tears, knee arthritis, or anterior knee pain, our physiotherapists provide expert assessment and treatment to get you back to pain-free movement and the activities you enjoy.
Is It Really Your Knee?
Not all knee pain starts in the knee. Hip weakness, ankle stiffness, or poor movement patterns can all show up as knee symptoms. That's why we assess the whole chain, not just where it hurts.
Common Symptoms We See
How We Diagnose
Movement Analysis
Watch you walk, squat, and perform single-leg tasks to identify compensations and weaknesses
Specific Tests
We use clinical tests proven to identify knee problems:
- • McMurray's test (meniscus tears)
- • Lachman test (ACL integrity)
- • Patellar tracking assessment
- • Joint line palpation
- • Range of motion measurements
When You Need Imaging
Most knee pain doesn't need an MRI. We'll refer you for imaging if we suspect structural damage that might need surgical review - but in most cases, our clinical assessment tells us everything we need to know.
Red Flags
Severe trauma, inability to bear weight, significant swelling within hours, or locking that won't release - these need same-day medical attention. We'll guide you to the right place.
Exercises We'll Use in Your Recovery
These aren't random exercises. Each one targets a specific deficit we identify in your assessment. Here are the most effective movements for knee rehabilitation:
Terminal Knee Extensions
Why: Targets the VMO (inner quad muscle) which is crucial for patellar tracking and stability.
Step-Downs
Why: Mimics the eccentric control needed for stairs and running. Teaches proper hip and knee alignment under load.
Single-Leg Balance Work
Why: Retrains proprioception (joint position sense) which is often impaired after injury. Essential for preventing re-injury.
Hip Strengthening
Why: Weak glutes cause your knee to collapse inwards during movement. Fixing this upstream problem often solves the downstream knee pain.
Ready to Get Started?
Let's create a tailored treatment plan for your knee
Your Physiotherapist
HCPC-registered expert in knee rehabilitation
Conor Sheehan
NHS & Elite Sport Physiotherapist • Professional Rugby & MMA Experience
Pain slowing you down? Let's fix it.
Our Treatment Approach
Every knee is different. Here's how we typically progress treatment based on your specific condition.
Pain Relief & Protection
Weeks 1-2
- •Manual therapy to reduce swelling and ease pain
- •Taping techniques for immediate support
- •Ice, compression, elevation guidance
- •Activity modification to avoid aggravation
- •Gentle range of motion exercises
Restore Mobility
Weeks 2-4
- •Joint mobilisation techniques
- •Soft tissue work on tight quadriceps, hamstrings, IT band
- •Patellar mobilisation for tracking issues
- •Stretching protocols for flexibility
- •Begin light strengthening exercises
Rebuild Strength
Weeks 4-8
- •Progressive quad strengthening (VMO focus)
- •Hamstring and calf strengthening
- •Hip strength work (glutes, abductors)
- •Single-leg exercises for stability
- •Balance and proprioception training
Return to Activity
Weeks 8-12+
- •Plyometric exercises (jumping, landing mechanics)
- •Running gait retraining if needed
- •Sport-specific movement patterns
- •Load management education
- •Long-term maintenance programme
Knee Pain Treatment Pricing
Invest in your recovery with our transparent pricing
Initial Assessment
£80
Complete assessment with hands-on treatment to identify root causes. Perfect for new patients or new conditions.
- Thorough assessment of your condition
- Hands-on treatment in the same session
- Personalised home exercise programme
- Clear recovery roadmap
Follow-up
£70
Comprehensive treatment for multiple areas or complex conditions. Ideal for thorough recovery and exercise progression.
- Comprehensive hands-on treatment
- Multiple area treatment
- Thorough exercise programme review
- Optimal for complex conditions
Initial Assessment
£80
Complete assessment with hands-on treatment to identify root causes. Perfect for new patients or new conditions.
- Thorough assessment of your condition
- Hands-on treatment in the same session
- Personalised home exercise programme
- Clear recovery roadmap
Follow-up
£70
Comprehensive treatment for multiple areas or complex conditions. Ideal for thorough recovery and exercise progression.
- Comprehensive hands-on treatment
- Multiple area treatment
- Thorough exercise programme review
- Optimal for complex conditions
How Long Will This Actually Take?
Honest timelines based on research and our clinical experience with each condition. Recovery varies based on severity, consistency with exercises, and your overall health.
Patellofemoral Pain (Runner's Knee)
4-8 weeksMost people notice pain reduction within 2-3 weeks with proper quad strengthening. Full return to running usually takes 6-8 weeks.
Key factor: Consistency with home exercises. Missing sessions adds weeks to recovery.
Meniscus Tears (Non-Surgical)
6-12 weeksDegenerative tears often respond well to conservative treatment. Expect gradual improvement over 6-8 weeks, with full function returning by 12 weeks.
Good news: Research shows many meniscus tears do as well with physio as with surgery.
Post-ACL Reconstruction
9-12 monthsReturn to sport after ACL surgery takes 9-12 months. We'll work with your surgeon's protocol through each phase: early mobility, strength building, plyometrics, and sport-specific training.
Critical: Rushing this increases re-rupture risk. We'll test you objectively before clearing you.
Knee Osteoarthritis
OngoingArthritis is chronic, but symptoms improve significantly with 8-12 weeks of targeted exercise. This becomes a long-term management plan rather than a "cure."
Reality: Many people avoid or delay knee replacement by years with consistent strength training.
IT Band Syndrome
4-6 weeksWith proper hip strengthening and training modification, most runners are pain-free within 4-6 weeks. The key is addressing hip weakness, not just stretching the IT band.
Common mistake: Foam rolling alone won't fix it. You need to strengthen glutes and hip abductors.
How to Keep Your Knees Healthy
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here's what actually works to protect your knees long-term:
1. Prioritise Quad and Glute Strength
Strong quads stabilise the kneecap. Strong glutes prevent your knee collapsing inwards. Do squats, step-ups, and single-leg exercises 2-3x per week.
2. Avoid These Movement Patterns
Watch out for:
- • Knee collapsing inwards when squatting or landing
- • Over-striding when running
- • Sudden increases in training volume (more than 10% per week)
- • Running on very hard or very soft surfaces exclusively
3. Know When to Push, When to Back Off
Mild discomfort during warm-up that disappears is usually fine. Pain that increases during activity or lasts after training means you need to modify load or technique.
4. Don't Ignore Early Warning Signs
Catching problems early means faster resolution. If you have knee pain for more than 2 weeks, book an assessment. Don't wait months.
Already Dealing with Knee Pain?
Don't wait for it to get worse. Get expert assessment and treatment
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